i have just gotten a 2003 tiger with original main. the sail seems to bind and get very difficult when it is about 1 meter from the top. I have washed out the track, and inspected both it and the main with no visible issues. I have had several nacras and A boats --and never had this difficulty. any ideas or suggestions

Check the roller at the top of the mast. If that roller gets sticky or gets anything in it it is a pain to raise and lower the sail. You can take the sheeve out and clean it up with some warm soapy water and a brillo pad.

Also the plastic sheeve on the bottom of the mast can be failing causing that to happen. Hope this helps.

A couple of tips to aide you in raising/lowering your main...1. Check your top and bottom rollers. The top is metal and the bottom is plastic and prone to burning a groove in it. Clean and/or replace as necessary.2. Spray McLube on the entire mainsail bolt rope. I wouldn't recommend spraying the track...McLube will leave a white residue that is in contrast to your black ano mast. McLube will last longer than silicone spray.3. Check the diameter of your main halyard. Bigger diameters don't run through the rollers very well and will bind. Max diameter should be 3/16" (5mm).4. The last 2 to 3 feet of the main should be coaxed into the track a little at a time. This is due to the luff curve of the main and will bind if just pulling on the halyard.

attempted to remove the top pully. it seams the pin and pully have fused together. I attempted to drive it out with a punch and hammer--spraying with wd-40 and letting it soak for several hours. it did not budge--and ideas??